An Evening Shower

Today I'm thankful for: #1- The run Kerri and I went for this evening. We only did 3 miles and we took it pretty slow but we had a good time. It's still so weird to me that I enjoy a good run. I think I really enjoy the feeling of my body being healthy and strong as well as the feeling of a good work out.

#2- A quick shower. I'm thankful that I live in a time when anytime I want to I can hop in the shower. Have running hot water and be clean. It felt nice to be clean in comfy clothes.

#3- Enjoying a show with friends. By the time we got back from our run Preston was at our house and we watched a show before calling it a night.

Parent Help

Today I'm thankful for: #1- The sweet parent volunteer who graded my tests for me. I have been needing to these for a couple of days and just haven't had the time. I didn't even know this mom was coming in to volunteer but when she walked into my room and said I'm here to do whatever you'd like I was more than happy to hand her this stack of papers. She had it graded so quickly and even had time to alphabetize my books. I couldn't do it all without help that's for sure. 

#2- Getting lots finished at work. The week we go off track is always a whirlwind of getting everything finished up. I'm so glad my students work hard and also allow me to work hard. 

#3- My students who have won their kickball games the past two days. The 6th grade is having a kickball tournament sponsored by the city. I thought my kids would loose their first two games and be out but they've surprised me and have won the past two days and will play for the championship on Thursday. They've figured out what it means to play as a team and I'm proud of them. 

Lange and Raegan Fay

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Yoga in the morning. Kerri and I got up at 5 a.m. to do a little yoga. It makes me very happy even though I'm the least flexible person I know. Maybe that's what I like - it feels so good especially after that hike on Saturday.

#2 - Quick Monday at work. I love a quick day at work especially if that day is a Monday.

#3- Friends for dinner. Raegan and I have talked about getting together for dinner for several months. Life is busy and sometimes it's hard to remember you want to make plans when a good night for everyone opens up. Well the other week when my roommates and I made our list for fall fun we put on it have Lange and Raegan over for dinner. The next day I told Raegan she was on the list so we picked a day and made sure everyone could come. Since I live far away from any of my family members my roommates are "my family away from family." Raegan has met several of those "family members" and I've met Lange a few times briefly at school things and I feel like I know him because Raegan and I share our lives outside of work with each other and well he's a big part of her life outside of work. But tonight was a lot of fun to really get to know each other's lives and the people in our lives outside of school. I told Raegan that when the evening was through I felt like I had finally gotten to know her entirely. Lange is her second half and it's easy to see how well these two complete each other. I'm glad for friends and family like these two that help me to remember how wonderful marriage to your best friend can be. I love Raegan dearly she is all that a true friend is or could ever be. I honestly believe that she's one of the reasons that I felt good about moving to Utah and taking a teaching job at Riverton. I needed to meet her and have her friend as my friend. I'm pretty sure that without her as my coworker I wouldn't be near as happy with my job. Thanks Lange and Raegan for coming over and enjoying the evening with us. We all loved your stories and want you to know you're welcome at our house anytime you'd like.

Ice Cream for Dessert

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - 12:30 church. I was so happy I could sleep in until 11:30. I probably could have made it to earlier meeting but I'm pretty happy I didn't have to drag myself out of my comfy bed until almost noon.

#2 - Dinner and ice cream for dessert. We went to Tricia's parents for dinner and as always had a delicious meal. Then we ate a little ice cream sandwiches for dessert. I loved ice cream sandwiches as a kid. Grandma or Aunt Carol always had a box in the freezer from the Swans man. We'd either eat an ice cream sandwich or a pushup. Today the ice cream sandwich reminded me of Sundays in the past - it made me happy.

#3 - Thunderstorms. I love a good thunderstorm and this storm was pretty great. I could have listened to it for a couple more hours. I know some people hate them but for me there is something wonderful about a flash of lightning and the loud clap of thunder.

On Top of Timp

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Surviving! What an adventure we had starting our hike at midnight. I'm pretty sure it was a blessing that it was dark because this way I didn't have any idea of what I was getting myself into. We were just putting one foot in front of each other and could only see a little bit in front of us with our head lamps on. I thought I'd die at the beginning of the hike but I was surprised at how well I was doing. I was just having a great time. We'd stop every now and again have a little snack and then keep going. We'd made some yummy trail mix and were loving eating that on the trail. I said to Kerri, "Is this going to be one of those hikes where I think I'm almost there and then I'll come up over a hill and we have to hike up another big hill?" She just laughed at me - we were hiking to the top of a mountain so of course there would be plenty of high points followed by the next high point. We made it to the saddle and we were felling pretty great so we pushed on to the summit. It was the steepest part. I felt like I was climbing huge steps as we scurried up the rock face. The lights of Utah county were spectacular and it was fun to look out over the valley as I caught my breath. We made it to the top at 5:15 a.m. we found a nice little seat out of the wind and started to watch the Eastern Horizon. It started out as a thin orange line very pretty stretched across the sky. We rested and ate more of our goodies and snacks. We waited and watched and finally around 6:45 that beautiful sun peaked itself up over the horizon and the whole world was filled with light. The sun was beautiful on the clouds it was quite the sight. After taking lots of pictures we decided it was time to start our descent. We got down to the saddle a lot quicker than going up and I thought we'd get down back to the car much quicker than getting up. However, I couldn't have been more wrong. We didn't stop hardly at all on the way down and by the time I got back to the car I felt like I was about ready to drop down and die. Mainly just because of my feet. My legs were tired but my feet were hurting so bad. I was so happy to sit down in the car. I was so happy I'd gone and we'd all had such a wonderful adventure but I was also very thankful to be finished. It reminded me of a quote that was used in one of my classes at BYU-Idaho. "You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know." - Rene Daumal. I love this because it's so true summiting on top of any of life's peaks changes us. Why make the hike? Because it will change me for the good. It teaches me about myself and my determination to do hard things. It blesses me in the future as I remember what I've seen, what I've experienced, and I am thankful for the climb. Today I was thankful for great friends to share great adventures with.  

#2 - Uploading tests. When we got home I mostly rested all afternoon but also made part of the math test that I'll be giving my students on Monday and uploaded it to MasterConnect. 

#3 - Dinner at Preston's. We barbecued on the roof. Kerri and I were pretty tired and soaked our feet in the hot tub until the chicken was done. After we were finished eating we went back to Preston's apartment and turned on a movie. Kerri and I quickly fell asleep and were looking pretty out of it when we finally left to go home to sleep in my bed. 

Late at Night

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Fridays. I'm happy it's the weekend and happy that Friday afternoons give me a chance to try and catch up. Today I got most of my grades put into the online grade book. I've been a little hit or miss this week which means it's time to rededicate myself. One more week until I go off track and then I'll get a real break and really catch up.

#2 - Michelle from the district who brought over a tool to help me make some assessments. It was quite kind of her and I really appreciated her willingness to go out of her way to help me.

#3 - Plane tickets. I'm headed to AZ and to St. George next week to see all the girls! (and Jonathan and Ruffin too.) I found pretty good deals on flights so I'm taking one into Phoenix on Friday night staying 3 days then flying to Vegas where Liz will pick me up and we'll play for about 3 days in St. George. Then I'll take a shuttle home. I can't wait to see all the girls and to watch me some BYU football with Jonathan. We're going to have a great time!!

#4- Napping on a Friday night. When I got home from work Kerri and I ran to the store and bought stuff to take on our hike. We've decided to hike Mt. Timpinogas tonight and watch the sun rise tomorrow. So after our shopping trip we both headed to our rooms for a good nap so we could make it. I'm pretty excited for this little adventure. The only thing is it'll keep me up all night long.

Donut Falls

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The parent volunteers who took my class so I could go to a PTA meeting. Raegan and I had to pitch our idea for Road to Success. It's nice to know that there are so many parents at my school who'll help and volunteer whenever we need it.

#2 - My students and the awesome bio poems that they have been writing. I haven't read all of them but those that I have read are pretty spectacular. They've been working hard and I'm so proud of them and pleased with how their hard work is making my job so much easier.

#3 - Hiking with friends. We hiked up to Donut Falls tonight. It felt good to be out in the fresh air and enjoying the beauty of the forest. I love to hear running water. I love to smell the the green vegetation. It was great and just what I needed after a day at work.

Pepper Spray

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - a half day sub that allow us to hammer out the next three assessments for our math blocks. I need to get them typed up and we'll be ready to go. This whole new core thing is coming - slowly but it's coming.

#2 - Library. I love Wednesdays because that means it's library day. and I just love seeing my friend Kris. Today she gave me a little gift - pepper spray to take with me while I'm running incase someone attacks me - kinda funny to think I now own pepper spray.

#3 - A parent volunteer who wants to come in and teach my students a lesson weekly. He's a professor at BYU who teaches history. I have him teaching parts of each of my world history units and I'm very excited to have him come each week.

#4 - The temple after work. I just love to go and forget the world for a while and remember what I've been promised and what I've promised to do.

 #5 - A clean house. We've all been so busy lately that we decided we'd take tonight and all clean for an hour. Our home feels so much better now that everything is clean.

#6- A little ice cream and watching Royal Pains to finish off the night. It's been a busy day.

All things BYU

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Students whom I'm coming to know and love. Give me another week and three weeks off track and I'll just be adoring them. It always helps to get them trained in the routine and then take a break. Also, we're writing Bio Poems right now and every fall when we do this project I just get so happy because of what I learn about my students. It's so exciting to see them study and learn about famous people they admire. It's a lot of work and I feel like we get to know each other through the project.

#2 - An evening sporting event. Kerri, Tricia, Preston, and I headed to Provo to watch the women's soccer team play their first game against Utah. I just love all things BYU! There were so many people at the game that we ended up standing in the east field right behind the goal. During the second half it was BYU's goal and they ended up making all 4 of their points right in front of us. Pretty exciting. It's also fun to watch soccer with Preston and Tricia because they actually understand what's going on and analyze the players and the plays of the game. I on the other hand am just watching to see the ball sail into the goal. - I'm still learning when it comes to soccer.

#3 - Ice Cream and patience. After the game we decided we needed a little ice cream. We headed over to the Creamery and again there was a big line not wanting to wait we opted again for a half gallon. Since Preston was with us we bought bowls and an ice cream scoop that I'll now keep in my toolbox in my car for other nights like these. We all enjoyed some yummy Graham Canyon.  Just as we were all finishing our ice cream I didn't get merged into a non exit lane and I ended up having to take a little detour through Pleasant Grove. Then I was back on the freeway and it was moving good. We were coming around the point of the mountain and hit more construction. This time they were funneling everyone down to one lane. It took forever to get through. We made the most of it by rocking out to some good music on Kerri's ipod. Kerri has quite the bag full of moves and she kept us entertained. I was happy when I finally parked my car and was home. The construction made us way later than we should have been. What do you do? Just welcome Wednesday with a smile I suppose!

Let's go Fly a Kite

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Early Monday mornings. Kerri and I did a little yoga this morning at 5 a.m. Insanely early but I had to get to work early so that I could get my week planned and ready to go.

#2 - That today was just a really good day. I enjoyed today and thought to myself, "I love what I do!" This definitely didn't happen last Monday so I was happy I was back to myself today.

#3 - The pretty cool raccoon picture that three of my girls created for the Raccoon Report. They worked really hard and it looks really cool. Raegan helped me put it up on the wall and I'm thankful for a friend who helps me when I need it.

#4 - Home Evening and flying kites. This was our activity for the evening. I got a little kite up in the air and it flew for a few minutes and then I was ready to be through. Tricia and I did stay our token 1/2 hour and then we had some errands to run. I enjoyed some cold cereal once we got home and then headed to bed early I'm so tired! - 5 a. m. will do that to you!

Josh Baker

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My temple recommend. My recommend expires at the end of August so I had an interview with my Bishop a couple of weeks ago and one with a member of my stake presidency this morning. I am grateful that I am worthy to hold a temple recommend and it is a life long goal of mine to always have a current recommend. I love the temple and love that the temple helps to uplift me and strengthens my desire to work harder at coming closer to my Savior Jesus Christ. I also enjoy the temple recommend renewal process and that I get to come before my priesthood leaders and declare my worthiness to enter the house of the Lord.

#2 - A good reminder. Today our Sacrament meeting was centered on Scripture study. I'm thankful for the reminder that I need to work on having much more productive scripture study.

#3 - Josh Baker who is my home teacher. I am thankful that he will come and visit us monthly. I am thankful that he is willing to help and serve me when I need it. And most of all I'm thankful to have a priesthood holder I can call when I need a blessing. Josh is a good one.

Race Day in Park City

Today I'm thankful for: 

#1 - Being happy even though it is 6 a.m. and I'm about ready to run 13.1 miles. The air was nice and cool and I was excited to get going. 

#2 - So much fun running in a race with friends. I enjoyed the run (which I never thought would be possible but it's true.) And I really enjoyed coming across the finish line and being done. Done with training and done with the race. However, I should sign up for another one so that I keep training and don't get out of shape. It's pretty cool to have accomplished something like this and I think what I find the most cool is it takes a lot of discipline, planning, and determination to be ready so that the race is fun. I also finished 7 minutes quicker than last year which I'm very happy about. This year I came in at 2 hours 27 minutes. Maybe next year I'll be in the teens. 

 Kerri, Heather, and I moments after we came in. I dumped my cup of water all over my face - felt so good. Also these races make me laugh because you come in and just about want to die and they're handing you all sorts of stuff. I just wanted to walk around and a guy asks me, "Did you get enough to eat?" I wanted to shout - "I don't want anything to eat right at the moment! Don't you know I just ran 13.1 miles! Give me a minute and then I'll want to eat!"

Another fun race to put in the memory books!

And look at our new living room decorations. What do you do with something like this?? I've decided I'll let it hang here for a while and then send it to D.I. 

#2 - Golfing. After Kerri and I got home and showered Preston called and we decided to go golfing. Kerri went with Deeds and Tricia and I met Preston. Bless Preston who was super patient and helped me with my golfing form. I think today was the second time I've ever golfed. Now I just need to go again soon to remember all I've learned and practice all of it. 

#3 - A movie with Preston. Preston and I decided to enjoy Mr. Popper's Penguins at the dollar theater. It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Then we ate dinner at home. Tricia grilled us chicken and it was really yummy! We also enjoyed a little Burn Notice and Red Mango frozen Yogurt. All in all a really GOOD day! 

A little Good Luck Gift

Today I'm thankful for: #1 Kris Bates who is one of the sweetest persons on earth. I think I've mentioned this before but it's true she really is such a sweetheart. Today this little goodie bag was in my box wishing me good luck for my race.

#2 - Olive Garden to eat pasta. Kerri and I ate out at Olive Garden to carb up before our race. Then we walked around the mall for just a minute until we didn't feel sick from the bottomless pasta bowls we'd just ordered.

#3 - Confession: Animal Hoarding. Kerri and I watched this show and it made me thankful that my problem in life is not hoarding animals. I can't even describe how disturbing this is. Just awful and let's say I'm very thankful I grew up in a home where animals were meant to be outside.

Goodbye to a Good Friend

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A quick trip to the temple. This week has been so crazy and busy and the rest of the week was looking just as busy so I left work right at 4:15 and headed to the temple for the week.

#2 - Running packets and a back to school gift for Tricia. As soon as I got home Kerri and I ran to the mall to buy Tricia this great little daily calendar with our favorite greeting card characters. We're hoping it'll brighten each day of the school year for her. We also picked up our running packets and are super excited to run our race on Saturday. We then took Tricia her little gift at her back to school night and headed to Provo.

#3 Pizza and a good visit. Kerri and I have been talking about going to Provo to buy football t-shirts and Graham Canyon ice cream. We decided to go tonight so that I could meet up with Kendall to say goodbye to him before he heads off to Michigan. He's off for a big adventure of getting a PHD. When we got to Provo Kerri and I realized we were starving so we decided that a little Brick Oven pizza would do ourselves good. We bought our shirts and then Kendall met us at the restaurant. He visited with us while we ate. It was good to catch up with him and wish him luck.

#4 - Plastic spoons. After dinner Kerri and I headed to the Creamery on 9th to buy some deliciousness. The line for ice cream cones was long so we opted for a half gallon and two plastic spoons. I'll have to get a good picture of us doing this next time. I'm pretty sure that people seeing us driving around sharing spoonfuls of an ice cream carton has to be hilarious.

Folded Clothes

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - that if I have to go to a meeting that I get to go with a friend. Raegan and I are in charge of the reading program for our school this year. We had a meeting and had to leave school early. Parent volunteers took our classes for the last hour of the day. We went to our meeting and enjoyed a little treat from Sweet Tooth Fairy. I was glad that if I go to a meeting at least Raegan and I could go together and enjoy each other's company.

#2 - Cleaning up my room just a little. Cleaning my room is on the top of my list of things to do as soon as I go off track. I was glad that all my clean clothes are now folded and put away where they belong.

#3 - A five mile run. Kerri and I ran for the last time before our big run on Saturday. It was a little hot which I really didn't enjoy but we had to get a run in so we're ready for that 13.1 miles!

Just Look at That Smile!!

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A "business" meeting after work. So I'm a teacher I'm not used to professional lunch meetings. I remember when I was first looking for a job my brother Jonathan was also looking for a job. The companies who where interviewing him would fly him in, show him around, take him and his wife to dinner, and in some cases put them up in a hotel before flying them home. I on the other hand drove hours on my own dime (of which I didn't have much, I was a recent college graduate you know!) At any rate, I'm not used to someone saying we'd like to meet with you and how about we meet and we'll buy you lunch - that just doesn't happen in education. But I've been using this fabulous program to help me track my students' mastery of the core standards. I love it and I'm pretty impressed with these guys who are creating this educational tool. They're so realistic about how hard teachers work and this tool really does give me a way to do my job better but it doesn't give me one more thing to do. That is what is so impressive. Somehow I've gotten to know them mostly through e-mails as I've had a million questions and think I wish I could do this or that. Then they go to work and make it happen for me or tell me it's something they've been working on. Today I enjoyed visiting with them telling them my thoughts and then listening to the cool things their working on.

#2 - Jonathan, Annie, Lilly, and Ivy. What a sweet family that I absolutely adore. I'm pretty lucky to have such wonderful members of my family. Annie said to me today, "We hope you know that you have a standing invitation to come visit us. Anytime you can find a cheap flight we'd love to see you." It's so nice to feel loved. Lilly is getting so big and I love to hear her little chatter. Ivy is growing up too and is just as sweet as can be. Don't you think her smile is the cutest thing? After the girls were in bed Annie, Jonathan, and I played a few games. We had a lot of fun just visiting. We even pulled out Monopoly Deal which is risky because Jonathan can get a little grumpy when you steal his property. We played three times and all of us ended up winning one time. Jonathan wanted to play one more time but Annie and I refused. We know it's best to stop while we're ahead.

#3 - Visiting with my mom. I called my mom on my way home and enjoyed visiting with her. She's working on a quilt for me and I can't wait to see it. I'm pretty lucky to have such a talented mom. She really is wonderful!

I guess the saying is true

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Annie who came to my classroom and shared her love of reading with my students. She has published a book. Pretty cool that I know a real life other who'll come to my class and visit with my kids. She read a portion of her book to the class and I'm pretty sure all of them want to read it. We have a couple of copies that there is quite the line of kids waiting to read it.

#2 - Raegan who is such a dear friend. We laughed when we saw each other today because we both had on yellow and white striped shirts. I guess great minds think a like because we most certainly didn't plan this. Raegan is always willing to listen and I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful friend.

#3 - Roommates. When I got home from work it was one of those Mondays that seemed way too long for my liking. Tricia needed to run to IKEA so Kerri and I went along with her and I was thankful for good friends that made a not so good day seem so much better. What would I do without great people in my life? Tricia and I also went to home evening and enjoyed meeting some new people at a double ward spaghetti dinner and then Kerri and I ran 3 miles when we got home. I'm pretty sure our half marathon won't kill me but I'm wondering if all the training just might.

A List

Today I'm thankful: A quiet Sunday morning. I usually don't have a Sunday morning. This is because I'm asleep so I'm not complaining. Lilly and I woke up around 7:30. She ate a bowl of cereal and she got dressed in her church clothes. Then I delivered her back to her parents just in time for them to be off to church. Then I came home and enjoyed the rest of the morning until it was time for me to go to my church meetings. I love a few hours of nowhere to go and just being home.

#2 Sunday dinner. Tricia's mom is one of the sweetest ladies that I know. She cooks a fantastic dinner and then tells us not to do the dishes because she just wants us to have a nice time. Sometimes we listen some times we don't. We usually make sure that our dishes at least make their way into the dishwasher before we'll sit down and think about dessert. (Which were yummy vaNIElla cupcakes from The Sweet Tooth Fairy.)

#3 - A list of fall to does. On our way home we decided we needed to make a list of things to do in the next four months. We wrote quite the list and I'm sure we're going to have a whole lot of fun as we find was to do what's on our list and check it off. I can hardly wait!

Mac and Cheese

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A ten mile run. Kerri and I completed our last run before our 1/2 marathon. I was so NOT looking forward to this. But I knew that once I started I'd be just fine. And really it went by pretty fast. I ran it in just about 2 hours. Feeling very good about that! And then the rest of the day I was felt just great. I'm very happy about that too.

#2 - Costco and the Sweet Tooth Fairy. Kerri, Tricia, and I headed to Costco to replenish the fruit in our fridge. It's going be a great week enjoying all the fresh fruit.

#3 - Little Lilly. I just adore all of my siblings' children. Lilly got to spend the evening and night with me. I don't know who was more excited Lilly or me. She'd smile at me and tell me that she loved me and I'd tell her I loved her too and was SO happy she got to come have a sleepover with me. We ate a cupcake and then went and bought a new shirt. Then we went to Walmart and bought things to put in the cute new backpack I bought for her. Then we headed to Noodles and Company for a little mac and cheese. We were really hungry and Lilly was having a great time. She'd take a bite look around ask me a question. Take another bite. At one point she said, "You have beautiful green eyes, Olivia." I told her thank you and that I thought her blue eyes were beautiful too. She said I have blue green eyes. Blue from my mom and green from my dad. I loved every minute of our dinner together. We got back in the car made one last quick stop to the dollar store to buy coloring books and then headed home. Lilly took a quick bath and then I painted her finger and toe nails with pretty glittery pink nail polish. Then we watched some of a movie while her nails dried and then it was time to go to sleep. She wanted her Bongo (little stuffed monkey she can't sleep without) and then she was soon sleeping soundly. I didn't go to sleep right that moment but a little later when I crawled into my bed to go to sleep I thought it was pretty cute to listen to her suck on her thumb. - She only sucks her thumb when she's asleep and even though she's getting bigger I still think it's adorable. I just love her so much and I'm so glad I got to spend some time with her.

We'll probably be able to find what you need

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The parent volunteer who was so kind to come into my room and watch my kids for 2 hours so I could meet with the rest of the 6th grade teachers and plan our math teaching for the next 9 weeks. There is a whole lot more to teaching than just opening a book and teaching. Sometimes the planning is about more than I can handle. So today I'm thankful for extra time.

#2 - All my grades being in the computer. Actually I still have one quiz to be put in but it's not corrected yet and it'll only take me about 1/2 hour to grade so I'm going to say it's close enough to say they're all in.

#3 - Dinner with friends. Tricia, Preston, Kerri, and I went to dinner at Red Rock. It was enjoyable. My favorite was just being out with friends. Preston was signing the receipt and said does any one have a pen that works? All of a sudden Kerri pulled out a fist full of pens and asked what color he wanted. I said I had a tide to go pen or a glue stick and Tricia pulled out a highlighter. Pretty sure we could have come up with anything you needed between the two of us.

Running

Today I'm thankful for: #1- the fun assembly of Italian dancers. Towards the end of the performance they had a bunch of kids and Steve participating in a dance then the line of dancers started to weave its way through the crowd of seated students. Along the way the lead Italian gentleman was grabbing teachers by the hand and having them join in. I was talking to Annette (lesson learned I should pay attention in assemblies) while we were standing in the back of the gym behind the 6th graders. I looked up an noticed too late that he was grabbing teacher's hands and pulling them into the line. There was no getting out of it. Annette did because he grabbed mine and not hers. On our way up to the front of the room with students screaming in such delight to see their teachers dancing I came to a realization. We as Americans missed the boat as far as traditional dancing goes. I also realized that I was having fun and wished that when I "went to a dance" I would have been taught some actual dances instead of the lame Jr. high stance - You all know what I'm talking about. As I was running the other day some people were having a little square dance get together and really I thought how much fun is that! Why is it my generation missed out on square dancing? And if square dancing seems a bit of a stretch because I'll admit it reminds me of a county fair, why did we miss out on the walz, the fox trot, or two step? I'm not talking about missing out on dancing because I wasn't coordinated enough to be on the drill team I'm talking about how much fun it would have been and still could be at dances if people still really knew how to dance. Maybe just maybe I'll find myself a partner and take some sort of class. Anyway, today I was thankful for the smile and laughter that joining in brought. Don't tell anyone at school cause they might think I'm weird but I thought it was lots of fun!

#2 - A short 3 mile run. I so did not want to run tonight. I was so happy we decided to only run 3 for today because it was blazing hot! I kept thinking the 1/2 marathon won't be this hot. Boy oh boy what was I thinking! Only one more week and a long 10 mile run on Saturday is what stands in the way of this being finished. You've got to wonder what I get myself into.

#3 - Balsamic chicken. This is a very yummy recipe. I love it and loved to have Tricia, Kerri, and Preston all here to share it with me. I do believe we all loved every bite! Makes me so happy on a couple of different levels.

Some of Life's Sweetest Blessings

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Annette. I couldn't teach school if I didn't get to work with great people. Honestly those who taught in one room school houses miles away from anyone to bounce ideas off of and help share the work load had it rough. Today as Annette and I had our kids out at P.E. I thought I'm so thankful to work with her. She's a good friend as well as an amazing teacher who is always ready to lend help and support anytime I need it.

#2 - Lunch then library. Wednesdays are delightful because I eat lunch (which I always enjoy) and then take my kids to library where I get to spend a few minutes visiting with one of my favorite people. I needed a lovely afternoon today.

#3 - Alisha and Maurianne. A couple of years ago the Lord called Alisha to be the president of my Relief Society. I knew who she was but honestly I don't think we'd ever talked. Maurianne and I have been friends since I moved to Utah (technically we became friends a couple of months after I had been living here but we'd e-mailed each other before we actually met. Long story short she is Annie's friend from way back and Annie gave me her e-mail to help me find a place to live. Little did we know we'd end up in the same ward and become great friends.) Anyway, neither Maurianne or I knew Alisha very well and Alisha didn't really know us but she was guided to call us as her counselors. We had a wonderful year serving in the Relief Society Presidency together. I love the both dearly. We decided to spend the evening together tonight. We met for a temple session it was great. The Celestial room was packed with more people than I've ever seen in one before. I'm pretty sure it's just like I envision heaven so many people hugging, smiling, and enjoying being together. We finished the night at Chili's eating chips and yummy dessert. We always have such a wonderful time together. I love visiting with them and am always so happy when we can finally get our schedules to coordinate. These are amazing women whom I feel privileged to know and to call friends. Through these girls I've discovered that church service brings some of life's sweetest blessings. Not just the service and growth at the time of the service but lasting friendships that strengthen you just when you need it the most.

Couldn't run without it

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The Granny Smith apple I ate on my way to work. Nothing like a piece of fruit for breakfast.

#2 - That my students' math tests are all graded and ready to hand back to them tomorrow - that has to be some sort of record for me. Like I said I'm trying really hard.

#3 - My ipod without which I couldn't even think about running. Tonight I really didn't want to run. Kerri and I bucked up and went out and ran 5 miles. My first 2 and 1/2 were so slow that it's ridiculous. I got home much faster. I wouldn't even attempt running without something to make it move faster. Currently I've been listening to Conference and finished the last session yesterday. So today I started listening to recent BYU devotionals. I think I only catch about half of what the message is but that's better than nothing. Plus it's good pondering noise when I've got to go 5 miles.

#4 - That this day is over and I get to now go to sleep. So glad I have tomorrow to work on doing and making good.

Raspberries and Memories of my Grandma

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The solar ovens my kids made to cook smores in it may be one of the grossest things watching my class and our third grade buddy classes devourer 60 smores. But the kids love it and I take pictures and really love it too.

#2 - Getting things done. Today was productive not just with my students working but with me working. I'm trying so hard to be on top of some things that I always seem to fall behind in. I just have to keep reminding myself - just one day at a time. Also, today I got the news that I'll be able to use this program that allows me to grade and track my students progress. I was already able to use the program but the math wasn't aligned to the new core so I was going to have to track them using some other much more difficult way. But today I got an e-mail that said they had put the new core standards on my account. I couldn't have been more happy!

#3 - A short run for today. I ran about 3 miles. I felt incredibly slow because it was so blasted hot. Kerri and I are gearing up for a 5 tomorrow a short run on Thursday and then a very long 10 mile run Saturday morning.

#4 A bowl of raspberries. I love raspberries. Growing up I have memories of being at Grandma's house and the raspberries were ready to be picked. I don't remember doing much picking. In fact I remember the little raspberry patch in Grandma's backyard never had very many berries (She'd take such good care of those bushes but they never really did much.) But somehow Grandma ALWAYS had raspberries. (At least in my memory she did.) Maybe Aunt Shellie kept her well stocked- Aunt Shellie had quite the raspberry patch. One day I hope I have one like she did. I learned to love the taste of these berries sitting at my Grandma's kitchen table. Usually it was later on a Sunday evening and she'd pull them out for a snack. We always ate them in a bowl filled with milk and sprinkled with sugar. I think Grandma actually put half and half on hers. At least my grandpa still eats his this way. I still don't know how I feel about half and half so I opt for milk. I'll try the half and half when I'm a Grandma sharing bowls of raspberries with my grandchildren. Tonight as I sat enjoying my bowl I thought, "I miss my grandma Clark! What I wouldn't give to sit down after a hot August day at her kitchen table as the cool Idaho evening breeze comes through the open window and have a bowl of raspberries with her. I so grateful for my knowledge that even though she is gone I will see her again someday and that we will enjoy the same relationship then as we did when we lived on the earth. We'll enjoy more raspberries together. There has to be kitchen tables in Heaven! I can hardly wait!" I'm so thankful for memories, for those who have lived before me and given me so much to live up to. And I'm thankful for those who will follow me. Hopefully I'll foster in them the same love for life that my grandma gave to me. Funny how a little bowl of raspberries can do so much.

Fireside on Temple Square

Today I'm thankful for: #1- The testimony I get to bear and those who bear their own when I teach. One of the reasons that I love to teach Sunday school is I get the chance to bear my testimony about the truthfulness of the principles of the gospel that I teach. I also love to hear others bear their testimonies through their comments.

#2- Stuffed peppers. Kerri cooked a yummy dinner for us of stuffed peppers. I love this meal but have never cooked this for myself but love to eat it. Michelle has also cooked them for me. It was very sweet of Kerri to share her Sunday meal with me. I'll have to cook for both of us soon.

#3- Fireside that wrapped up the Summit activities. Elder Don L. Clarke was the speaker. Elder Clarke is my grandpa Clarks first cousin. He gave a wonderful talk. And it was a perfect way to end the weekend. I was happy that Marylynn, Kerri, and I decided to go downtown to the fireside.

A Hike to see Water

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A nine mile run at 6 a.m. I can't believe I ran that much and felt pretty great afterwards. I was so not excited to run this morning but once we got started I was feeling pretty good. I wasn't sore all day just starving. Every two hours the rest of the day Kerri and I would stop and have to feed ourselves.

#2 - Kerri who helped me dry my car after I'd given it a quick wash. When we got home I quickly washed my car, which was a good way to keep moving so I didn't stiffen up. Kerri was really sweet and helped me dry it so I got finished faster.

#3 - Serving at the Summit. Around 2 we went up to the Institute at the U. I volunteered by announcing one of the speakers. I was feeling pretty exhausted after the run and was wishing I hadn't volunteered but the class was good and I was glad I'd gone. The Nadaulds talked about deceptions in our world.

#4 Costco. After the class at the Summit was through we headed to Costco. I wanted some yummy fruit and Kerri and I enjoyed tons of samples which were good since we were starving again.

#5 French toast. We decided to make some French toast for dinner because we saw a loaf of bread at the store that looked perfect for french toast. We were pretty excited to go home and enjoy it.

#6 - A hike with Preston and Kerri. Preston invited Kerri and I to take a little hike with him. Again, I wanted to keep moving even though I was pretty tired. The hike wasn't bad pretty short and not too steep. And the waterfall at the end was beautiful. It was nice to just sit and listen to the water for a little while.

#7- Watching Tricia's soccer game. After our hike we all decided to go watch Tricia play her soccer game. They ended up winning and I had fun watching the game.

#8 - Milkshakes. On our way home we stopped at Culivar's for milkshakes. We'd wanted to get some earlier but ran out of time. This was my first Culivar's experience and my milkshake was pretty good so I don't think I'd mind going again.

#9- Going to sleep early for a Saturday night - SO exhausted. At about 10:15 I said, "I'm going to sleep." Preston said he was leaving since we were no fun since we were letting running ruin our lives. What can I say I couldn't stay awake a minute longer.

Dinner on the Rooftop

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Students that work so hard. Fridays are always whirlwind days full of tests and making sure everything has been turned in for the week. These kids work hard and do just what I ask them to do. I love being their teacher.

#2- Great conversation with Darlene. Darlene and I met after school and we laid out what units we'll be teaching in science for the year. I'm so happy to work with other dedicated teachers.

#3- Dinner with Preston on the rooftop. Such a pretty view and I loved my food. We ordered take out from the Olive Garden for dinner. I wanted some carbs before my big run tomorrow. I love that they give you a salad that could feed 3 people. By the time I've finished with the salad I can never eat very much of my entree.

 #4- Seeing a few friends at the Institute activity. I was glad I convinced Preston to come along. The YSA Summit had a Friday night activity and I signed up to volunteer on Saturday which meant I had to register which also meant I signed up for everything. I discovered something tonight. These activities were sort of fun but now I find very little fun about them. I'm ready to be 31 so I don't feel like I need to attend to be social. Only a few more months. We ran into Shawna Reynolds who was down her from Idaho to go to the Summit and Brian Lambson from my ward was also there and I think he was feeling the same as me about this activity - it used to be fun but not so much anymore.

BYU Football Tickets

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A quiet evening without a big to do list. I was glad to not have a bunch of things to have to get done tonight.

#2- Receiving these in the mail. I got an e-mail a couple of days ago informing me that my tickets were on their way in the mail. I've been excited to get them. I'm pretty excited for the 7 games that Kerri, Kara, and I will be attending. It's going to be a lot of fun! I can't wait to arise and shout!

#3- Having one more day before the weekend. Thursdays are always great days for that reason.

Busy

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Library. I love to take my kids to library on Wednesday afternoons. I love my friend Kris who reads the kids a story, I love that my kids LOVE to look at books, I love visiting with Kris and hearing about the cool things she's doing (she's going to do an open water swim in a couple of weeks and I'm way impressed!) and I love how the 1/2 hour of library makes my afternoon fly by.

#2 - The adorable pictures of each of my students that now adorn my wall. I'm going to LOVE looking at their smiling faces all year long. How lucky am I to get to be with such great kids every day!

#3 - The temple, a 5 and 1/2 mile run, and exhaustion. I didn't leave work until about 5:30. I worked until about 4:30 and then visited with some friends for a while. Then I headed to the temple and things were moving slow there so I didn't get through until 7. I got home and Kerri and I set off on a run at 7:30. I got back around 9. Cooked myself some dinner and headed to sleep at 10. I'm happy to be on my way for a little rest!